Classic Peru

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: Lima

Meals included: 1 breakfast

On arrival at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport you are transferred to your hotel in the well-known coastal suburb of Miraflores. In the evening you meet your tour leader and the other members of your group for a pre-tour briefing. Please check the noticeboard near the hotel reception for confirmation of the exact time and place of the meeting (please note that if a significant number of group members are arriving late into Lima, this meeting may be held sometime on Day 2). This meeting is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant. Lima has some of the most superb cuisine in South America and is especially renowned for its exceptional seafood. During your time here, you may wish to try ceviche, Peru’s national dish, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice and often served with hot peppers. This culinary delight is a must for all seafood lovers!

 

On the morning of Day 2 we start our exploration of the Peruvian capital with a half-day city tour. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, it was from Lima that all Spanish territories in South America were governed. Few cities at that time could rival Lima’s power, wealth and opulence. However its glory days ended in 1746 when the city was virtually destroyed by an earthquake. Many of the colonial buildings were rebuilt and we get a first-hand look at several of them on our tour. The striking Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas), flanked by some of the most important buildings in town such as the cathedral, the huge Government Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace, constitutes the heart of the city. We visit the cathedral and the nearby San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains. We also visit the impressive National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology and History of Peru, which is home to a wonderful collection of cultural exhibits tracing the history, arts and accomplishments of the people of Peru, ranging from the original inhabitants of the land through to the Inca Empire and the Spanish conquerors.

The afternoon is free to do your own exploration of Lima. You may wish to wander around Miraflores or perhaps catch a taxi to visit the Gold Museum or the Larco Museum, which is renowned for its ancient pottery collection. Please remember that you must agree on a fare with the driver before catching a taxi, as the taxis here do not have meters. (Miraflores-Downtown approximately 10-15 soles)

Day 3-4: Cusco - The Sacred Valley

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Today we fly to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, where we take an afternoon walking tour to explore this fascinating city. Please remember to walk slowly and take it reasonably easy upon arrival, as you will no doubt feel the effects of altitude as we have travelled from sea level up to 3350 metres. Cusco is a favourite destination of many visitors to Peru. Its main sites radiate outwards from the Plaza de Armas, which is dominated by the 17th century Baroque cathedral. It was in this very plaza that the Spanish conquistadors put to death the last Inca king, Tupac Amaru I. As we wander the streets and side alleys of the city we witness the perfect tapering Inca stonework that provided the foundations for many of Cusco’s colonial and modern buildings. Our comprehensive sightseeing tour of the city’s main sights includes the cathedral and Koricancha Temple. We then take to the surrounding hills and visit the impressive ceremonial ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where massive stone blocks that form the walls of this site give us an awesome picture of how highly developed Inca engineering was. In our free time, it is also possible to visit the Inca Museum, Religious Art Museum, Church of San Blas and Santa Catalina Museum.

The Sacred Valley, located between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, was greatly treasured because of its climate, fertile land and the presence of the Urubamba (Sacred) River. On our full day tour of the Sacred Valley, we will see evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River, imposing sets of terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth). At the Sacred Valley we visit the Awana Kancha tourist centre where we see llama, alpaca, vicuna and guanaco all in the one place, the ruins at Qenko, the colourful market town of Pisac and the towering Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo. Built on a steep mountainside this grand citadel served as both a temple and fortress. A walk up to the top is rewarded by fine views over the village and out further into the valley.

Day 5-8 note: (Important Note)

We trek the ‘Classic’ and the ‘Lares’ routes, both of which include a visit to incredible Machu Picchu at the end of the trek. Although we normally trek the 'Classic' route, it is restricted by the number of trekkers permitted on the trail each day and unless you have booked early, it maybe difficult or impossible for us to secure the necessary group permits (especially during the peak season). It is also closed during the month of February for cleaning and rejuvenation. If we are unable to confirm your permit for the 'Classic' route we will use the ‘Lares’ trail. This is an exceptional alternative. Venturing further off the beaten path, this trek winds its way through remote rural villages and provides stunning views across the Andes. Along the way you can mingle with local families, llama herders and weavers, renowned for their brightly coloured hats and ponchos. The trek is of similar altitude and level of difficulty as the 'Classic' route and also includes a visit to the town of Aguas Calientes and the magnificent Machu Picchu, recently voted one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’.

The following description refers to the 'Classic' route. Please refer below to the 'Itinerary Variation' section of this trip note for details of the 'Lares' route.

Day 5: Inca Trail: Km 82 - Wayllabamba (8km)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

This morning we set off for the Inca Trail by travelling from Cusco into the Sacred Valley before heading to Kilometre 82, where our trek begins. Today we hike past the ancient hilltop fort of Huillca Raccay and the beautiful archaeological site of Llactapata. It is a fairly leisurely hike and along the way there are stunning views of snow-capped Veronica Peak (5860m). Following the river we pass a tiny village and continue on to our camp at Wayllabamba, located at 3000 metres. Porters are provided on this trek, so during the day you need only to carry a daypack with your personal items. This needs to be big enough to carry such items as water, camera and a warm jacket.

Day 6: Inca Trail - Pacaymayo (16km)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Today is the most difficult part of the trek as we climb to Warminwanusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4200m). Along the way we trek through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery to be seen anywhere in the Andes. This is the first and highest of three Andean passes on the Inca Trail, with breathtaking views over the snow-capped Vilcanota and Vilcabama mountain ranges. Ahead of us we can see the ruins of Runkuracay and in the valley below, Rio Pacamayo (Sunrise River). Here the trail changes from dirt to steps and stone pathways, our route takes us through a landscape dotted with rural hamlets, grazing llamas and well-preserved remnants of the Incan culture. Although it's not too arduous we still need to make a steep descent to the valley below, and our camp beneath the cliff tops at Pacamayo (3600m), overlooking the cloud forest.

Day 7: Inca Trail - Winaywayna (15km)

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

We climb up to the oval shaped ruin of Runkurakay, which is believed to have once been an Inca tambo or post house. Pushing on up the Inca staircase and beside two tiny and fast diminishing mountain lakes, we are rewarded at the summit of our second pass (3900m) with spectacular views of Pumasillo (6245m) and the entire snow-capped Vilcabamba range. From here it is a steep descent and then ascent to our third pass and the ruins of Phullupatamarca, where we embark on a long descent into a beautiful orchid-filled cloud forest. The scenery will blow you away! Butterflies flutter across the trail and the air is pure and clean as we head to breathtaking Winaywayna (2650m).

Day 8: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (5km) - Cusco

Meals included: 1 breakfast

On our final morning we make an early start to reach the Sun Gate for sunrise. Here we enjoy our first views of the complex of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas. On a clear morning the view from the Sun Gate can be quite stunning and creates a lasting impression that will stay with you long after you return home. Built around 1450 the city was deserted less than a century later following the Spanish invasion and ‘lost’ for hundreds of years before it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The architecture of Machu Picchu is quite extraordinary, with the mortar-free design particularly earthquake resistant and the stones so precisely cut that to this day not even a knife fits between them. We tour the site with our guide and then have some free time to explore by ourselves, before taking the bus down to the small town of Aguas Calientes. There are some small shops and restaurants in the town where we can while the time away. Alternatively you may choose to wash away the dust and grime of the trail in the hot thermal baths located on the edge of town. In the late afternoon we take the train back to Cusco.

Day 9: Cusco

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today is a free day to spend in Cusco. The oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, Cusco is a wonderful place in which to stroll aimlessly or be entertained by participating in an outdoor activity. If you are feeling energetic there are a myriad of adventures available in and around town, such as cycling and horse riding. There are plenty of opportunities to shop for handicrafts or wander around the cobblestone streets and visit museums, churches and colonial sites. You may just wish to relax with a 'cerveza' or a 'pisco sour' in one of the restaurants and 'penas' (traditional local bars) surrounding Plaza de Armas.

Day 10: Lima

Meals included: 1 breakfast

After breakfast we are transferred to the airport, where we fly back to Lima. Our tour ends on arrival at Lima Airport. If you wish to extend your stay in Lima tonight and on any other subsequent nights, as well as arrange an airport to hotel transfer, it is possible to book these additional services at the same time you book your main tour. If you are planning to depart Lima today, we advise that you do not book to depart until at least after 5pm (17:00 hrs).

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Your Trip

What's Included

Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, porterage on Inca Trail trek, meals as indicated, sightseeing, entrance and park fees.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• Bus
• On foot
• Plane
• Trek

Accommodation

• 6 nights Comfortable hotel
• 3 nights Full service camping

Meals

• 9 breakfasts
• 3 lunches
• 3 dinners

Equipment Included

• camping equipment
• Trek pack (sleeping bag, sleeping sheet, warm fleece jacket, wet weather jacket, inflatable mattress, kit bag) - must be returned on completion of trek

Not Included

International flights, domestic flights, airport departure tax, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

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Important Information

On this trip you may link up with travellers on another of our tours.

Meals during trek: Please note that we are unable to cater for those with a gluten intolerance (Coeliac) during the trek. Food labelling standards vary quite dramatically from country to country so it is not always safe to rely on ingredient labels in another country. Secondly, due to the remote nature of the trek and available cooking facilities, cross-contamination cannot always be fully avoided.

Typical meals during the trek: Breakfast (toast, fruit salad, ground corn tortillas, vegetable omelette, fried plantains), Snack (biscuits, tea, pop corn, chocolate bars, hot chocolate), Lunch (Vegetable soups, steamed trout, roast beef, quinoa grained, mashed or scalloped potatoes), Dinner (Chicken, rice, goulash, rosemary potatoes, chicken wrapped in tomato sauce)

Hotel Breakfasts: Breakfasts in Latin America are simple affairs. They consist of tea or coffee, fruit juice, bread rolls, butter and jam. Eggs and fruit are sometimes available on request, for a small charge.

Meal requests/ allergies: Please note - any special meal requests must be noted on your booking form when making your reservation. We may not be able to cater for any late requests advised on arrival.

---- Alternative Itineraries for this trip - Machu Picchu ----

The Lares Trail Trek

In the event that trekking permits for the 'Classic' Inca Trail route are unavailable, we will use the 'Lares' route. The Lares Trail is an exceptional alternative to the 'Classic' trail. Venturing further off the beaten path, this trek winds its way through remote rural villages and provides stunning views across the Andes Mountains. Along the way you can mingle with local families, llama herders and weavers, renowned for their brightly coloured hats and ponchos. The trek is of similar altitude and level of difficulty as the Classic route and also culminates in a visit to the village of Aguas Calientes and the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, recently voted one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’.

IMPORTANT:
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. There are many  routes which can be used from Lares for this trek and the route taken depends on the condition of the trails, the published route above is the route which we use most regularly.  We have the up most faith in our local operators to use the best  and safest route for each group and to make itinerary changes where necessary . This is most important in the wet season from December through until April when some of the routes can be flooded.

Day 1: Cusco - Calca - Lares hot springs - Huacawasi

We set off after an early breakfast this morning, taking the beautiful drive across the Sacred Valley to the town of Lares, stopping en route at Calca for the chance to pick up any last-minute provisions for the trek. The Andes views are spectacular as we approach Lares and offer a wonderful foretaste of the scenery will be among for the next few days.

First things first at Lares – time for a relaxing bath in the hot springs, followed by a welcoming lunch!  Afterwards, it’s time to hit the trail, following a dirt mountain road for eight kilometres – a straightforward and gentle introduction to the dramatic Lares Valley. Along the way we’ll have plenty of opportunities to say hello to the welcoming locals – one of the undoubted highlights of the Lares Trek, and a feature that sets it apart from the other Inca Trails. Our first camp is at Huacawasi village, where have dinner and relax.  Huacawasi is renowned for its handmade textiles - the colourful local ponchos and hats are of a superb quality.

Walking distance: approx 8km, approx 4 hours

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 2: Huacawasi - Huacahuasijasa - Mantanay

After a hearty breakfast, we resume our trek. The path swiftly becomes more challenging than the previous day’s trail. We ascend steadily from Huacawasi, following a path that gets us among some of the most remote, beautiful expanses of the Peruvian Andes. We ascend to the Huacahuasijasa Mountain Pass, passing by lagoons and through queñua forests en route. The pass is the trek’s high point at nearly 4600 metres above sea level, and is home to mesmerising views across the snow-tipped spires of the Urubamba Mountains, as well as being a fine vantage point to try and spot condors wheeling on thermals overhead.

After the pass, the trail descends swiftly and we soon come to our lunch stop, by the waters of Laguna Aruraycocha. It’s one of the Lares Trail’s’ most magical moments, where bulbous black granite outcrops, golden alpine grass and the lake’s sparkling sapphire combine to bewitching effect. Our afternoon trek lasts a couple hours, skirting the base of Nevado Pumahuanca (5330 metres) then following the Mantanay Valley. We pass further lagoons and have wonderful views of Andean high peaks before we reach our overnight camp by the river at remote Mantanay.

Walking distance: approx 13km, approx 8 hours

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 3: Yanahuara - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

After breakfast we begin our descent through more wonderful landscapes, the surroundings gradually changing from the beautiful austerity of the highlands to lusher scenery, with forests, wetlands, rushing brooks and river gorges now our companions.

It’s a relatively easy hike that takes around three hours, and we enjoy outstanding views back up the Mantanay Valley en route. The trail’s endpoint is the base of Sacred Valley. Our vehicle will be waiting for us at the end of the trail, to drive us to the Ollantaytambo train station, a short transfer. Depending on the train schedule, we will be able to have lunch by the Urubamba River, or if time doesn’t allow our cook provides us with lunchboxes to enjoy aboard the train.

The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes 1 1/2 hours and is simply one of the world’s great train routes. The route follows the descending Urubamba River, the surroundings changing from the high altitude flora to yungas, mountains clad in densely-forested sub-tropical forests. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check in at the hotel, and the rest of the afternoon is free before we meet for dinner.

Walking distance: approx 7km, approx 3 hours

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco

We take an early morning bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. At dawn, the Incan citadel is at its most magical, the veil of mist and first light serving to dramatically illuminate the lost city and the surrounding peaks. We arrive at the site before those taking the Classic Trail, and there is time to hike to the sungate as the sun rises over the mountains and lights up Machu Picchu.

We get the best of the site by taking a guided tour through the most important spots of this remarkable place. After that, there is free time to wander further – it’s a large, endlessly explorable area, and the views of the surrounding spectacular mountains are equally impressive as Machu Picchu itself.

Afterwards, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes. After lunch, we will take a five-minute walk to the train station and take the train back to Cusco.

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Non-trekking Alternative – Machu Picchu by Train

The Inca Trail is a highlight of any visit to Peru and it is highly recommended to anybody who is up to the physical demands of a Moderate trek. For those people joining a Peregrine trip who do not wish to join the four-day hike, Peregrine can make alternative arrangements that allow additional time in Cusco and return transport and accommodation to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Should you choose these alternative arrangements, the price for your Peregrine holiday remains the same.

You must notify Peregrine at the time of booking if you wish to take this option, which replaces the 4 Day Inca Trail.

Day 1 & 2: Cusco

Your time in Cusco is your own. Accommodation will be provided for these two nights and breakfast is included. Your tour leader will not be available during this period as he or she will be hiking to Machu Picchu with the rest of the group.

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 3 & 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Your tour leader will have provided you with your return train ticket to Machu Picchu and your accommodation vouchers for your stay in Aguas Calientes. Please make your own way to the station to depart on the early morning train to Machu Picchu. The train trip will take approximately four hours to reach Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you should check into your hotel. Please refer to your accommodation voucher for the hotel details. All of the hotels are a short walk from the railway station.

In order to visit the site of Machu Picchu, you will take a bus up the steep zig zagging road to the entrance of the ruins. The buses depart regularly. The ruins are open from 7am to 5pm daily and we will cover the cost of your return bus fare to the ruins and the entrance fee. The vouchers can be used the afternoon of Day 3, or the following morning on Day 4. If you wish to visit the ruins twice, the second visit will be at an additional cost of approximately USD $70 (paid locally).

Those in your group who have trekked the Inca Trail will arrive at the site around 7am on day 4. It is possible to arrange to meet up with the other members in your group at the ruins, to join a fully guided tour of this ancient and mystical Inca City. Before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, there is free time to explore the ruins at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere. For the adventurous, you can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, where you have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. You can also make the short hike up to the Sun Gate for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon of Day 4, we have time for lunch, before catching the train back to Cusco with your fellow trekkers.

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

15 March 2012

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